Provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions Beep has entered an agreement with Mississippi State University (MSU) to launch the first autonomous shuttle pilot program in the state of Mississippi.
Scheduled to begin later this year, the program will allow MSU to evaluate the potential of shared and electric autonomous mobility solutions to supplement the existing transportation options on campus. It also aims to provide transportation planning research for rural-urban environments.
The pilot program will feature two 11-passenger, attendant-led autonomous electric shuttles operating on routes between the core campus, student housing and popular entertainment locations. MSU will collect data from riders to determine optimal routes and ridership patterns.
Beep’s chief revenue officer, Toby McGraw, said, “Jeremiah Dumas, MSU’s executive director of transportation, and his staff truly understand the importance of being able to offer students, faculty and community members additional modes of transportation to safely travel between key points on campus. We are looking forward to seeing how our shared autonomous mobility solutions can provide a valuable transportation option for the campus while integrating seamlessly into current transportation solutions.”
Beep says it will collaborate with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and various safety administrations to obtain the necessary approvals for this test program.
In related news on Passenger Terminal World, Beep has partnered with Sustainability Partners and the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) to launch of an 18-month autonomous shuttle pilot at Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu.